Affordable Aviation

ST. PAUL, MINN. — Told you last month I had new info on Dick Boone’s unusual Climax experimental design. I say "experimental" as that seems appropriate, it being a test bed. Nobody is planning to produce it yet, but perhaps Climax ideas will appear elsewhere or on a new hybrid design from Boone. After all, […]

ST. PAUL, MINN. — Flyin’ high over Telluride. Early reports trumpeted spectacular flying at the mile-high site of the largest hang gliding event in the nation (world?). Reminded me of those altimeter ads from more than a decade ago when one advertiser teased pilots who had not yet equipped themselves. The ad featured a geeky-looking […]

ST. PAUL, MINN. — The issue is growth in hang gliding (or the lack of same). This month’s edition of "Product Lines" looks at a few ideas that may affect the future of hang gliding. ••• In my April ’94 column, I referenced a Dennis Pagen report from FAI. That international aerosport organization sees a […]

ST. PAUL, MINN. — On the Political Front: ARAC Committeeperson, Dennis Pagen reports some improved news from the May 23 meeting. He cautions that FAA is squirrely to pin down — you’re surprised!? — but that it appears the agency will not certify pilots under Part 103 (great!), or issue aircraft airworthiness (we’re doin’ fine […]

ST. PAUL, MINN. — The season is hot and the thermals are poppin’! ••• Moyes has been having one heckuva year. Says boss Bill, "Glider sales have never been so good and we are producing 30 a week" (an annualized rate of over 1,500 gliders). Further, Moyes Microlights is "having a run on Dragonflys" thanks […]

ST. PAUL, MINN. — Last month, I delivered some "disturbing talk" about an alleged "hang gliding decline" (according to the FAI). I also mentioned doubt for FAA changes desired by USHGA. ••• I remind you that FAI/CIVL rep,’ Dennis Pagen, indicated the so-called decline doesn’t seem to include the USA. Sure enough, at the recent […]

ST. PAUL, MINN. — Ahh… April, when the living gets easier up here in the long-frozen tundra. All over America, trees are sprouting leaves and the thermals are poppin’. Let’s see what’s news. ••• From the end of last year, Dennis Pagen — USHGA’s rep to the CIVL of FAI — reports that the international […]

ST. PAUL, MINN. — Spring has nearly arrived marking the start of a new season. ••• Last time I mentioned a new gizmo from Japan competition-bound Chris Arai… in the Orient on assignment for Wills Wing. Named the Tangent Flight Computer, Arai calls it a "radical departure" from standard instruments, coming closer to what sailplane […]

ST. PAUL, MINN. — As we look to a new season of hang gliding, I have one last gift item that deserves mention. ••• Even up here in snow country, one video might actually get your heart pumping! Most HG videos tend to be mellow productions, featuring delicate and colorful gliders moving gracefully and silently […]

ST. PAUL, MINN. — Welcome to a new year! Let’s hope 1994 brings abundant soaring. Did you make your flight resolutions yet? ••• A comment was promised in last month’s Christmas goodies list. The Avocet watch and I did some flying; it is indeed a handy gizmo. While it won’t substitute for a "proper" vario, […]